Abstract: Compositions and methods for the complete detoxification of fumonisin and fumonisin degradation products are provided. Particularly, nucleotide sequences corresponding to the detoxification enzymes are provided. The sequences find use in preparing expression cassettes for the transformation of a broad variety of host cells and organisms.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of selectively analyzing a nucleic acid in a sample. The methods allow for selective identification of a target sequence in a population of nucleic acids. For example, the methods allow for confirmation of the identity of a nucleic acid tentatively identified in a quantitative expression analysis (QEA) assay.

Abstract: The present invention provides polynucleotides and related polypeptides of the enzyme APAO isolated from Exophiala spinifera. Additionally, the polynucleotide encoding for the APAO enzyme can be used to transform plant cells normally susceptible to Fusarium or other toxin-producing fungus infection. Plants can be regenerated from the transformed plant cells. Additionally, the present invention provides for expressing both APAO and a fumonisin esterase in a transgenic plant. In this way, a transgenic plant can be produced with the capability of degrading fumonisin, as well as with the capability of producing the degrading enzymes. In addition, the present invention provides methods for producing the APAO enzyme in both prokaryotic and non-plant eukaryotic systems. Methods for detoxification in grain, grain processing, silage, food crops and in animal feed and rumen microbes are also disclosed.